EDTA

EDTA, also known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is famous as a chelating agent, or a chemical capable of capturing metal ions by forming bonds with them. Chelating these metal ions removes them from water and food sources. Bell Chem, your Jacksonville ingredient supplier, lists several examples of how ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is used across industries.

Medical
Individuals suffering from heavy metal poisoning are given EDTA intravenously or intramuscularly to capture mercury, lead, iron, or calcium. Instead of damaging the brain and other neural tissue, these metals are excreted from the body via the urinary system when they are sequestered by EDTA. When added to fresh blood in blood banks, EDTA captures calcium. Since calcium clots blood, EDTA prevents clotting. In orthodontia and dentistry, EDTA prepares areas before dental adhesives are added or root canals are performed. The ability for EDTA to chelate metals makes it ideal for patients with calcium deposits in their field of vision since it grabs these metals and removes them from the eye. High levels of blood calcium can interfere with heart rhythm. EDTA counters these dangerously high rhythms whether they are naturally occurring or the result of digitalis or another heart medication. Other cardiovascular uses for EDTA are control of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), angina (chest pain), stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Foods and Beverages
Colors fade over time in processed foods; EDTA allows foods and beverages to maintain a constant color. In dressings and mayonnaise, EDTA bonds with enzymes that would normally cause foods to spoil. Beverages such as sodas owe their long-standing flavor retention in part to EDTA. Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals and snack bars, contain EDTA-bound iron.

Cosmetics
When added to soap, EDTA is able to capture the metals in hard water, enhancing the cleaning ability of soap as well as laundry detergent and cleaning products. Topical cosmetics, cleansers, and mouthwashes also contain EDTA to improve product stability.

Learn more about the additives in your foods and pharmaceuticals by reading Bell Chem’s blogs. Bell Chem is a Jacksonville ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.